5 Unique Patios in Minneapolis: Breweries and Distilleries

Minneapolis's recent heatwave could only mean one thing: It's patio season. In 2020, outdoor drinks and dining is a hot commodity. Online reservations are almost assuredly required, even at the tiniest of breweries. The folks at MINNeSTAY know a thing or two about glamorous Minneapolis patios thanks to our fleet of North Loop condos, all of which have swift, exclusive access to a modernized city-view balcony deck. So, instead of Googling "patios near me," simply bookmark this article for future use.

There's no shortage of idyllic restaurant patios in Minneapolis and St. Paul, ranging from The Freehouse to Cathedral Hill's ivy-clad W.A. Frost and Company and the Sea Salt Eatery above gorgeous Minnehaha Falls. But sometimes a small group of travelers desires the flexibility to come and go as they please, whether that's after two pints of beer, a cocktail, or a small sampling. Thus, we pieced together five Minneapolis patios, including two breweries, two distilleries, and one cidery, all of which are a short drive, bicycle ride, or walk from our luxury estates and penthouses.

Omar Ansari and his team not only changed the game with their 2011 Surly Bill, but, years later, they now host some of the largest names in the alternative music scene on their Festival Field, including Tame Impala, Spoon, The National, and Courtney Barnett. Today, their massive, well-manicured patio attracts hundreds of thousands of locals and tourists alike. Patrons can warm-up near an electric fire pit, play Kubb, or throw a blanket down in the grass while gazing up at the towering, now-defunct grain elevators.

We still contend that LynLake boasts the premier rooftop patio in Minneapolis (and the Twin Cities, for that matter). From the rooftop, beer lovers can enjoy faraway views of Downtown's skyscape and a unique vantage point of Lyndale Avenue's bustling business district. Munch on free popcorn, suntan, and sip on a pint of rich, roasty Sideburns Milk Stout, among the best of its kind.

Tattersall, the state's finest craft distillery, has won dozens of awards for their game-changing spirits. And their industrialized Northeast Minneapolis patio is an idyllic spot to savor a fruity, potent cocktail under the sun. Nobody mixes things up quite like the girls and boys at Tattersall. The menu includes pumpkin-washed rum, habanero bitters, pistachio falernum, house-made spruce tip tonic, and everything in between.

As the first microdistillery in Minneapolis since Prohibition, Norseman forged a path for so many world-class establishments, including the aforementioned Tattersall. Norseman's patio isn't overly large and only peers toward a crumbling parking lot and a handful of industrial buildings. Still, it's impossible not to admire the simplicity of the space and the eye-popping flavor combinations.

Minneapolis's cider game continues to flourish. While the outdoor patio space at Number Twelve isn't incredibly large, it's not easy to find a cidery that boasts world-class craft beverages and exterior seating. And you cannot beat the location on 5th Street. It's within walking distance of Sable's North Loop Minneapolis apartments, Target Field, a handful of breweries, and a wide variety of the city's best restaurants.

Start and finish each day inside one of MINNeSTAY's high-end luxury lofts, condos, or lake homes. Spend your days picnicking in the park, strolling through museums, and taste-testing grub from the area's best food trucks before observing an enthralling sunset. This handy Minneapolis bucket list is the perfect place to start your activity search prior to arrival. To save money on an upcoming visit, please visit us online. Remember: Booking directly is the best way to avoid gaudy fees!